Index / Religions / FreedomBahrain / Religions /
Religious freedom
The Constitution states that Islam is the official religion of Bahrain, still it secures basic freedom of religion.There is discrimination against Shi'i Muslims; they form the majority of the country with 60%, while the royal family and elite are Sunnis, and part of only 24% of the population. The central Shi'i festival of Ashura was attempted curtailed by the government in the 1980's and 1990's, but today it considered a national event.Other religions have legal rights to worship privately, and without interference from the government.